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By Molly Morse


An audiometer is a piece of equipment used to evaluate hearing loss. This machine is mostly found in ear, nose and throat clinics. It is also a must have in audiology centers. Audiometers are made of a hardware unit that is linked to headphones. A button that the person being tested uses to give feedback is also included. A normal personal computer can sometimes be used to control this system. There are standards that govern the procedure as well as the requirements that the machine should meet.

There are several types of audiometers. Some are hardware based and others rely heavily on software. The basic types can be used at home by people who want to find out their hearing levels. The audiometers used in clinics are more expensive. This is because they are more accurate and their efficiency is higher. Calibration determines how precise a device is.

If you experience problems with your hearing you need to go for a test. An audiometer hearing test is very accurate and it helps doctors to know how severe your loss is. Doctors begin by giving you basic tests to evaluate whether your ears are working. Tuning forks are mostly used when getting started. If the initial screening indicates your problem is serious you can now take the audiometer test.

Audiologists are more specialized and they usually take patients through a series of tests. The first thing that the specialist will do is to ask you a couple of questions. This will help to determine the cause of your problem. Your work and medical history will also be evaluated to find any clues on what led to the hearing loss. After all the questions the test can now be carried out.

You need to wear a pair of headphones before getting started. Make sure that you place them over the ears properly. They should block all other sounds from the room. When you are ready you should start receiving sounds from the headphones. The sound will hit the ears one at a time. This is because the test should evaluate both ears individually. This way, specialists can determine whether you have a problem in one ear or both of them.

The sound is switched to different levels and frequencies. This helps to determine if you can hear all the levels and at which frequency. The audiologists may want you to use signs such as raising your hands whenever you hear a sound. Use the hand on the side where you receive the sound. The tones get louder and fainter with time.

When you do not hear any sound from the headphones you should not worry because it is expected. The audiologist needs to find out the lowest level of sound that you can hear. The test will determine how serious your loss is. In some instances you may be required to go for a more serious evaluation. It is important to take your time and answer the questions as accurately as you can.

An audiometer hearing test provides a lot of information regarding your hearing problem. Specialist can then present you with the various treatment options available. In some cases you need to undergo further tests to determine your comfort levels before a specific treatment can be offered.




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